David Moyes says no-one will leave Sunderland without the club's say so

Sunderland manager David Moyes has said no-one will leave the club without the say so of those at the Stadium of Light.

Moyes is keen to retain all of the players in his squad, and look to add reinforcements as he has held firm over speculation linking centre-back Lamine Kone with a move to Everton.

Moyes is quoted in the Chronicle, saying: “The big thing is, we are short of players, whether it be centre-halves or midfield players or full-backs, we are short.

Sunderland manager David Moyes speaks to Jermain Defoe as he is substituted off

“I won’t be letting anybody go who I think can contribute to the team. Kone is a big contribution to the team.

“If I think I can do things in other ways, I will think about it but at the moment the market has made it really difficult to do that.”

Moyes also denied reports that Kone had indicated a willingness to leave, or handed in a transfer request. That's a massive boost for the Black Cats if he remains at the club as since his arrival in January he has provided some stability and shown he can be a leader at the back. If Sunderland are going to succeed this season then solid organisation will be one of the main factors.

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.